Toronto staff authorized to forge agreements with First Nations in Green Lane landfill area

TORONTO, ONT-Toronto city council has authorized municipal staff to enter into agreements establishing continuing relationships with First Nations living in the vicinity of the Green Lane landfill near St Thomas, Ontario. This will bring Toronto a step closer to completing its acquisition of the site. Approval of the agreements by the First Nations will settle a pending judicial review of the transaction, initiated by the Oneida Nation of the Thames. The agreements fulfill the city's permit requirements at Green Lane to establish a First Nations liaison committee. A First Nations community benefits agreement is also being established similar to the existing agreement with Southwold Township, Central Elgin and the city of St Thomas. Additional public information about the landfill purchase transaction will be made available following completion of the transaction. The $220.3 million purchase will meet Toronto's long-term disposal requirements. Through the due diligence conducted on the landfill site, the city has projected that it will be able to use the site until 2034, provided it meets its 70% diversion target.